KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not yet decided on the application by Mirzan Mahathir and Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir to extend the time for declaring their assets for the fourth time.
MACC sources told Scoop that so far, the two sons of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir have not submitted any property declaration documents as required under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009.
Previously, MACC had granted three extensions to Mirzan and Mokhzani, which ended this month – the former on May 15 and the latter today (May 25).
“The questions surrounding the reasons given, whether it is reasonable for the MACC to consider extending the order to declare property, and whether MACC stands firm that this will be the last extensions – these are all being sorted by the MACC investigating officer.
“For now, we have not decided anything,” he said when contacted.
When asked what the next action would be if the deadline is not extended, the source said that MACC is evaluating all options.
“MACC is still in the process of making considerations involving all aspects, including further action against Mirzan and Mokhzani, who have not yet submitted any property declaration documents,” he said.
In a statement to Scoop last month, MACC insisted that the third extension will likely be the last.
On January 26, MACC handed a notice order to Mokhzani for him to declare property under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009.
The investigation was also carried out under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
Sources said that MACC’s investigation against the businessman is believed to be related to his shareholding in a government-linked company seeking government projects.
Meanwhile, Mirzan is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act 2001.
On April 27, both brothers said that they appreciated the extension given by MACC on the declaration notice, which was first served in January under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009.
They also clarified that, contrary to media reports, they are not the subject of any MACC investigation, adding that they are only required to declare their assets over a period of 43 years.
The duo added that most of the documents are no longer available, especially from financial institutions and the public sector.
The brothers, in their statement, cited that even the Inland Revenue Board only requires taxpayers to keep sufficient records for seven years, as does the Registrar of Companies.
On April 16, Dr Mahathir claimed that graft busters were saying he had committed an offence under Section 23 of the MACC Act, according to a notice sent to his son, Mirzan. – May 25, 2024